Having an established relationship with a primary care physician (PCP), provides many benefits for your long-term health. According to LinkedIn, in the U.S., an estimated 100 million people don't have a primary care provider. This can be a cause for concern that individuals are not getting their healthcare needs met. Read on to learn why this provider should be the foundation of your medical care.

1. Detailed History

A primary care doctor you see regularly becomes intimately familiar with your medical history and health data over time. This continuity of care allows them to make well-informed recommendations and treat you as a whole patient versus isolated symptoms. They can better manage any chronic conditions you have with full medical context.

2. Preventative Care

Primary care physicians help protect your health through regular wellness visits, health screenings, vaccines, and monitoring of risk factors. Annual physicals allow them to get a snapshot of your overall well-being and recommend lifestyle improvements early before problems progress. Ongoing prevention and early detection through a PCP is powerful.

3. Coordinated Care

Seeing the same PCP avoids fragmentation between different doctors. Your primary physician can look at all your records and imaging to get the full picture. If you do need to see specialists for certain conditions, your PCP will oversee and coordinate everything. This ensures all care aligns with your optimal health.

4. Trusting Relationship

Having an ongoing relationship with a primary care doctor leads to open communication with trust. You can feel comfortable discussing private health concerns when your PCP knows you well. They get to know your preferences and values to customize your care. An established bond with your doctor benefits your care.

5. Easy Access

Many primary care physicians offer same-day appointments for urgent needs. Even for routine visits, you may only wait a week or two versus months for specialists. During after-hours, your primary care doctor’s on-call nurse can offer trusted guidance. Ongoing access to your primary care physician keeps small issues from becoming major.

Don’t go through medical care disconnected and alone. Developing a lasting relationship with a trusted primary care physician provides comfort and continuity that benefits your health. If you're one of the millions of Americans who doesn't have a PCP, or you're looking for a new one, we can assist. We are a Spanish-speaking clinic that is passionate about your care. Call our team at Ebert Family Clinic now to schedule an appointment.